Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Cordeiro Resigns Over FIFA's Plan to Sell World Cup Stake
Carlos Cordeiro, a former adviser to FIFA, quit his job because he didn’t like a new idea from FIFA’s boss.
FIFA wanted to create a big company that would own the money from the World Cup and let private investors own part of it.
Cordeiro said FIFA already has a lot of money and that selling part of the World Cup would be a bad idea.
He also said he had no part in making the plan.
FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, is pushing the plan, and some football groups are worried about it too.
Carlos Cordeiro resigned on July 31 2026 in protest of FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in its commercial rights.
The proposal would spin off a $20 billion subsidiary, with 20% owned by private investors, to manage World Cup and other commercial rights.
Cordeiro said he had no involvement in drafting the plan and opposed it, arguing FIFA already has billions in reserves and no debt.
The anchor investor would be a New York‑based firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner.
UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF have expressed opposition, and FIFA has set a Nov. 18 deadline for challengers to its leadership.
- Who
- Carlos Cordeiro, former FIFA senior adviser and ex‑U.S. Soccer Federation president
- What
- Resignation over FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in its commercial rights
- When
- July 31, 2026
- Where
- New York (announcement) – FIFA’s global headquarters
- Why
- He opposed the plan, citing FIFA’s strong finances and the risk of mortgaging football
- Resignation Date
- July 31, 2026
- Proposed Subsidiary Value
- $20 billion
- Private Investor Stake
- 20%
- Anchor Investor
- Joshua Kushner's firm
- FIFA Revenue (last 4 years)
- $15 billion
Sources
Carlos Cordeiro Resigns As FIFA Adviser Over Private Investment Plan For World Cup
Gianni Infantino’s senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro quits amid proposal to sell Fifa stake - Telegraph India
Who is Carlos Cordeiro? Senior FIFA adviser quits over plan to sell World Cup commercial rights
